MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Public Libraries (MPL) just received a $100K donation to help expand their hotspot program across the city.
The program allows library visitors to check out hot spots for up to 21 days. Those hot spots allow them to connect to the library's free public wifi from anywhere.
With the $100K donation from Impact100, MPL will be able to add 225 more devices to their program. Up to 10 people can connect to each device and take advantage of the free wifi.
“MPL is honored to receive this very generous award, and to partner with Impact100 to address the alarming disparity in internet access in Milwaukee,” said Joan Johnson, Library Director. "The mission of MPL is to help residents read, learn and connect, not just to our resources but to each other and the world beyond. Thanks to the generosity of Impact100, the expansion of our Hotspot program increases our ability to do that.”
Hotspots are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, and can not be held or reserved. You are allowed to check them out for up to 21 days, and if they're not returned within that time frame, they will be de-activated.
Unlike other items in the MPL system, Hotspots must be picked up and returned to the same location.
“Our grant evaluation process started long before COVID-19,” said Impact100 President Robin Martin. “We were already impressed with the library’s transformative and impactful Hotspot project. We never imagined it would take on even more significance this year. We are thrilled and honored to be able to support Milwaukee Public Library’s work to stay connected in these very unusual times.”
